IP55 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP55 and IP25 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP25. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP25 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.